News

School leavers receiving A level results across Pembrokeshire today

Published

4 years ago

August 18, 2022

A LEVEL RESULTS posted this morning show an overall 98* pass rate at grades A* to E compared with 99.1% last year. Today’s results are still higher than when the last year exams were sat in 2019 when the overall pass rate at A* to E was 97.6%. The percentage of entries graded at A or A* this year was 40.9%. This is down significantly from the record 48.3% in 2021 during the second year of teacher assessed grades and 27% when exams were last sat in 2019. A total 17.1* got the top A* grade.

Exams were cancelled for two years of the pandemic but returned this year. Students have reported hard exams leaving them in tears.

The WJEC was forced to apologise on June 8 after set text questions were missed off the A level English language and literature A level. Officials insisted candidates would not be disadvantaged but said they would wait until results day in August to determine what had gone wrong.

Candidates and teachers have also claimed both a maths A level and AS exam included content they were told would not be there and that questions were far harder than pre-Covid papers – there have also been complaints about A level chemistry and music. The education minister responded telling learners “you will be treated fairly”. Exam regulator Qualifications Wales has said grade boundaries will be set lower than last year’s record high results, which were based on teacher-assessed grades, but will remain higher than pre-pandemic.

It is expected to be a tough year for students looking for places, with reports that the number of last-minute courses available at elite Russell Group universities has halved in just two years meaning those who fail to achieve the grades needed for their first-choice course are likely to be disappointed again when they try to find an alternative.

Universities in Wales have already confirmed they have increased entry requirements for some courses due to an increase in home and overseas applications, the rise in the number of 18-year-olds in the population, and some universities scaling back after expanding during the pandemic.

Education Secretary James Cleverly said: “Every single student collecting their results today should be proud of their achievements. Not only have they studied throughout the pandemic, but they are the first group in three years to sit exams.

“For that, I want to congratulate them and say a huge thank you to those who helped them get to this point.”

Association of Colleges chief executive, David Hughes, said: “The class of 2022 has faced unprecedented disruption to their education and many have never taken public exams before due to the pandemic.

“So, their achievements are a testament to their resilience and hard work throughout this period, and to their outstanding teachers and support staff who have helped them to achieve success.”

Dr Nick Smith, courses director and founder of The Oxford Open Learning Trust, said: “This year’s A-level students deserve tremendous credit for persevering and achieving so much. It’s brilliant to see that many have secured the results they wanted, and they should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.

“There will inevitably be students who don’t quite receive the grades that they had hoped for and for these individuals they will naturally feel disappointed. But they shouldn’t worry, as there are a number of options available to those who didn’t get the A-levels they were expecting or needing.

“To start with, check out the UCAS clearing system as many institutions will still have places available. The website will show whether your desired course is available somewhere else, and it’s also worth giving them a call.

“If you feel like the grade you’ve been given is lower than you expected, you can appeal by contacting your school, who will then inform the examining board. The board will examine the evidence provided by the school and decide whether any changes need to be made.

“You also have the option of exploring other learning avenues, such as work experience or apprenticeships. Taking a gap year is also a possibility, allowing you to travel or volunteer before going into further education.

“Alternatively, you could take a break from traditional education but carry on learning by resitting your A-levels or studying for new ones while working. Opting for distance learning is the most flexible approach you can take as everything you need is available online, meaning that you can learn wherever and whenever is convenient for you.”

MORE TO FOLLOW

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

2 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

12 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

13 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.